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What Is CBD? : A Beginner’s Guide

What Is CBD? : A Beginner’s Guide

With the recent boom in the legal recreational marijuana market, users are now, more than ever, beginning to explore their options and become informed about what they are ingesting. If you are one of those consumers looking to learn more, we’re here to help answer questions like “what is CBD?” “what is the difference between CBD and THC?” and more.

Here’s everything you need to know, and some other things that may interest you.

First, The Basics: What Exactly Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol (CBD) which is found mainly in extractions from the hemp plant. Typically sold in gels, gummies, oils, supplements and more, CBD’s molecular structure is very similar to THC, with some slight differences.

Ingesting CBD products can have positive medical benefits to the body, including relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, psychosis, seizures and many severe medical conditions. Because of this slight different in chemical makeup, as compared with THC marijuana products, there is no (or very little) psychoactive properties from CBD products.

This makes marijuana accessible to millions who want the medicinal benefits without the psychoactive effect or “high” cannabis products are known for.

Both CBD and THC chemical structures are remarkably similar to your body’s own, natural endocannabinoid system. Because of this, they can easily interact with those receptors in your body. This interaction causes a release of neurotransmitters in your brain – the chemicals responsible for relaying messages between cells throughout the body.

THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain, producing a sense of euphoria or “high”.

CBD, in contrast, binds weakly, if at all, to these CB1 receptors, even interfering with the binding and reducing any psychoactive effects brought on by present THC.

CBD as Medicine

CBD has become somewhat of a buzzword within both the marijuana and medical communities with CBD as medicine bursting onto the scene in full force this year. In June 2018, the first ever drug comprised of active CBD was approved by the FDA to treat a rare form of epilepsy.

Medical marijuana is actually not that new of a concept, being prescribed for the treatment of nausea and appetite loss following cancer treatment and for chronic pain for years now. What is a newer concept is the wide range of conditions that can benefit from the use of CBD as medicine that were previously not as widely understood.

Now we realize more than ever just how far-reaching CBD’s benefits are.

CBD research also suggest some neuroprotective and neurogenic effects that may prove CBD to be an anti-cancer compound.

CBD products: How do I consume CBD?

Since CBD’s benefits have become more widely recognized, CBD has expanded into a wide variety of products. From topical oils and muscle rubs to edible supplements, CBD products range from the most obvious to the more unique and lesser-known products.

CBD products, since they are not intended to have a psychoactive effect, can have the added benefit of targeting a specific area of the body of your choosing. For example, oils and lotions are best when you, say, want to relieve muscle pain. CBD supplements may be good for treating chronic headaches or internal conditions like stomach pain. CBD drinks are a great option for when you need extra help recovering from a hangover.

Because CBD is most often used medicinally, many of the products themselves are healthy or, at the very least, not harmful to the body and get straight to the point.

There is an important distinction between THC products and CBD products; THC products are marketed toward a consumer who wants to experience the psychoactive effects while CBD consumers typically do not want that psychoactive effect.

Products like candy and baked goods or even herbal marijuana may not be appropriate for someone looking to ingest CBD, particularly medicinally.

Picture this: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties as well as reduces pain. If you were to want to try a CBD product to reduce inflammation or pain in your throat, for example, inhaling smoke would not be the best course of action. Neither would be eating a sugary baked good packed with medicinal CBD if you were taking that dosage in order to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

See what we’re getting at here? The kinds of products available on a strictly CBD basis, eliminating the psychoactive THC products, are typically better for your body and designed to specifically target your ailment.

Singleseed CBD: The Healthy Solution

SingleSeed CBD products take healthy solutions one step further to introduce CBD products for active lifestyles.

Think: things you normally eat and drink, with the added benefit of CBD. It’s that simple.

We don’t think that it makes sense to add another step into your life, another product to add to your routine. Instead, we set out to make the products you already enjoy even better.

Plus, of course, everyone is familiar with CBD vape oils, also sold through the site.

These are things you are already using, just with the additional health benefits of CBD. It’s that simple. We don’t want you to have to add anything else to your routine, we don’t want you to have to disrupt your life.

It is CBD benefits, for healthy and active lifestyles. Pure and simple.

Recap: How Can CBD Improve Your Life?

CBD is an active ingredient in marijuana that provides numerous health benefits without the psychoactive effect that marijuana high in THC has on the body. In this way, you get the health benefits – such as pain management, inflammation reduction, relaxation, better sleep, relief from anxiety and more – without the effect of feeling “high”.

With recent research emerging about the benefits of CBD every day, it is hard to ignore the question “what is CBD?”. Whether in the scientific and medical field or in emerging legal marijuana market, CBD is everywhere and it’s time you understand why.